Beaulieu House and Gardens

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Beaulieu House is a beautiful and historic estate near Drogheda, Co Louth. Situated on the banks of the Boyne, it was designed around an old Plunkett property by Sir Henry Tichbourne between 1660–1666, and its splendour is enjoyed by many visitors.

A visit to Beaulieu House is a journey back through Ireland’s past. One of the earliest unfortified houses in Ireland, this historic estate has been home to two families, the Plunketts and the Tichbournes, for over 800 years and is an essential stop on any tour of the beautiful county of Louth.

The Beaulieu mansion house that stands today was built mainly between 1600 and 1666 and features delightful interior decorations and a grand staircase, created in Dublin and shipped up the Boyne River in 1723. Beaulieu’s high eaved roof and dormered attic rests on massive modillion cornices typical of the Caroline period and the small, red brick window dressings reflect Northern European architectural practices (particularly Dutch).

Beaulieu is a rare example of late 17th-century Irish domestic architecture and has survived with minimal alterations. The front entrance is protected by heavy carved oak and iron shutters and the remains of a massive ditch—that once protected the building’s curtilage—is still visible. Interior decorations, paintings, wood carvings and grand staircase were the last of the improvements made in 1723.

Beaulieu’s four acres of gardens and grassy terraces surrounding the estate have remained largely true to their early design. The Beaulieu walled garden is a tranquil haven for anyone who loves plants and the herbaceous border looks its very best between May and July.

Visit the estate in the summer for guided tours of Beaulieu House and Gardens that explore the history and architecture of this famous place.

2017 Opening dates: May1-3, June 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-31, Sept 1-10, Mon- Fri,11am-5pm, Sat-Sun, 1pm-5pm . It is advised to contact the property directly prior to making arrangements to visit. NOTE: Tours for anyone under the age of 16 are free (however, the tour of the house is not suitable for very young children) | Group bookings welcome and concessions available for over 30 people (contact via the website for details) |

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